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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 07-08-2025; 7-c - 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: July 8, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 7-c SUBJECT: 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report DEPARTMENT: County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs PowerPoint Presentation Manager; (919) 245-2626 PURPOSE: To receive a report on the first year of implementation of the Orange County Climate Action Plan, highlighting progress made toward the County's greenhouse gas reduction and climate resilience goals. BACKGROUND: In November 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Orange County's first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The plan outlines 70 strategies across five (5) key focus areas: Transportation, Built Environment & Energy, Resource Conservation, Green Community, and Resilient Community. This annual report highlights significant accomplishments during the first year of implementation. Staff will also provide a preview of upcoming initiatives. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate Action Plan OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the annual report and presentation on the progress of the Climate Action Plan and provide any feedback or direction for continued implementation. � i Orange Count1 - �, k Climate Action Plan 4I Ali\ ANNUAL 2024 w REPORT Together,with our community,we commit to taking I urgent action on the climate emergency by creating and implementing an innovative,equitable,and just transition to carbon neutrality and climate resiliency. � ,.. ,:� �.•+`�7. '�-..a- ire-- w• i i 4 , ORANGE COUNTY Mt SUSTAINABILITY ORANGE COUNTY 3 Introduction In November 2023,the Board of County Commissioners approved Orange County's Climate Action Plan (https://www.orangecountync.gov/lmageRepositor/ Document?documentlD=26112),setting an ambitious course to cut greehouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by • , 2050. To guide this effort,we began by identifying the sources of our emissions.The graph below shows the breakdown by sector,highlighting where we must focus our efforts to drive the greatest impact. • • • • ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY INVENTORY PROCESS& TRANSPORTATION& FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES 43% SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY 1% WATER&WASTEWATER 1% INDUSTRIAL ENERGYCOMMERCIAL ENERGY Strategies 5-10 2% 34% significantly reduce greenhouse gas Using community input,expert analysis,and greenhouse gas data,we emissions. identified the Top 10 actions Orange County can take to cut emissions. These priorities will drive progress toward our climate goals and build a more resilient community. With 70 targeted strategies across five key areas,the Climate Action Plan is already driving meaningful progress toward a healthier,more sustainable future.In just the first year of implementation,we've seen measurable achievements that reflect the collective effort of County staff,community partners,and residents. • 7. The following pages highlight key accomplishments and progress made ,. TARGET ' _ in each of the following focus areas: Increase community �C�iev50% EV adoption to emission reduction . . m — — Transportation BASELINE BASELINE BASELINE Establish annual Currently 9%of all Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction of vehicles in have dropped 1.3 mi Ilion miles using Orange County by 41.8%between US Community Protocol' are electric 2005 and 2019 Built Environment&Energy Resource Conservation TARGET TARGET TARGET Achieve'100% Complete an renewable electricity solar capacity to 33.66 electrification study an�n by 2050 in municipal MW by 2035:25%ab ve establish a long-term operation and the 2023 basel ine implementation plan cc munity-wide J� _A Green Community BASELINE BASELINE BASELINE Currently-13% Current solar capacity Natural gas usage of all electricity within Orange County is cu rrently at is coming from is 26.93 MW4 156,670 MT CO2e renewable sources' Resilient Community 2 4 Fleet Services continues to transition from gas to electric vehicles with 10 more electric vehicles in 2024 Transportation Transportation is the largest source of emissions in Orange County,accounting for 43%of our community's carbon footprint. ' Cutting down on fossil fuel vehicle travel and transitioning to electric _ vehicles is a necessity to meet the targets set in our Climate Action Plan. - � Stephen Johnston,Environmental Health Specialist,with a2023 Chevrolet Bolt This ..... Chevy is one of the County's electric vehicles. Lipp The county is"ON THE ROAD TO A GREENER ORANGE"Sharing this message with our new EV wraps increases visibility and community awareness. I n collaboration with Fleet Services, Sustainability developed a new Projects & Progress anti-idling policy for County staff and a new anti-idling ; Electric Vehicles(EV)&Charging Infrastructure for Orange graphic that will be displayed in all County (as of October 2024) gas-powered engines in the County fleet. 21894 31027 Number of Number of National Drive Electric Week EV registrations EV registrations From September 27 to October 6,Orange County celebrated National 7 17 Drive Electric Week(NDEW)with events in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. Number of EVs Number of EVs Visitors explored EV models,spoke with local owners,and learned purchased by County purchased by County about charging,road trips,and maintenance.Thanks to these events, 36 42 Orange County now has a dedicated group of EV ambassadors to share their knowledge year-round.(Watch a video of the Hillsborough event: Number of public Number of public https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=812MANGtgGw) EV charging stations EV charging stations (6 County-owned stations with (6 County-owned stations with 13 Level ll chargers) 13 Level//chargers) 0 5 4 DRIVE Number of EV charging stations Number of EV charging stationsELECTMIC -1 for County Vehicles for County Vehicles _ (10 Level II chargers) 0 18 Number of volunteer Number of volunteer = ' EV Ambassadors EV Ambassadors 0 2 Ilk Number of events for National Number of events for National National Drive Electric Week eventin Hillsborough Drive Electric Week Drive Electric Week 3 5 Sustainable Business Toolkitrorwr 111kit (https://www.orang eco untync ti- gov/DocumentCenter/View/27152/ Built Environment& Energy Sustainable-Business-Toolkit):Our Sustainability Team created the a Sustainable Business Toolkit to help lt1 businesses and organizations adopt - The second-largest source of emissions in Orange County comes from more sustainable practices while saving energy use in commercial buildings,making up 34%of our total money.This go-to guide covers key areas emissions,with residential buildings following at 19%.The solution? like energy,transportation,buildings, Boosting energy efficiency,transitioning from gas to electric equipment water,and waste—plus,it highlights valuable rebates and tax credits and increasing solar adoption.By making smart upgrades,we can cut to support cost-effective upgrades.Whether businesses are just starting emissions,lower energy costs,and create healthier spaces for everyone. their sustainability journey or looking to take their efforts further,this toolkit provides the resources they need to make a lasting impact. Projects & Progress Powering Orange County with Solar Energy g Orange County continues to shine as a leader in solar energy adoption DURHAM • GRANVILLE • ORANGE It By the _ nd of 2024 EBERP=. ur, 1 ,565 :o; 37,098 kW Solar installations were Total capacity generated, Energy Burden & Emissions Reduction Program powering homes and a major step toward a businesses across the cleaner,more resilient The NC Energy Burden&Emissions Reduction Program(EBERP) county energy future is a$1.5 million Department of Energy grant dedicated to lowering energy costs and improving energy efficiency in under-resourced �1 neighborhoods across Durham,Granville,and Orange County.This transformative 3-year grant-funded program will help communities in these regions save money,reduce emissions,and create a more sustainable,energy-efficient future! Energy Efficiency through LEDs:Sustainability and Asset Management Services converted 4 buildings over to LED lighting. ;: 1 Solar rooftop installation for low-to-moderate income(LMI)solar program OW( Grp RANIGE 'll . Or ' ' ' Expanding Access to Solar—In 2023-2024,a dedicated low-to- . r moderate income(LMI)solar program helped bring the benefits of r r clean energy to more households,funding the installation of three additional rooftop solar systems for families who might not otherwise Orange County Library e0, 0 $6,000 DSS/Hillsborough Commons 111,0,000 $8,000 have access.Altogether,these new systems produce over 12,000 kWh of Southern Human Services Center 55,577 $4,483 electricity and save over$900 every year. Seymour(enter 56587 $4,786 TOTAL 303,159 $23,269 Call 844.604-5510 to enroll in the Duke Energy Improve and Save program for a free home energy assessment. Call 844-788-0139 or visit shop-decnc.duke-energy.com/Lighting for discounted LEDs! ORANHECOUNTY � lib'rar'y Oo°""5"f:u�, ORANGE(OUNTy NOIY _ ,,,,NA ,,,�,,.,�,� ��SUSTAINABILITY 4 6 Advancing Solar Energy SOLARIZE THE Asset Management Services installed a 22 kW rooftop solar array on TRIANGLE ` ' the Efland EMS station(209 Mt.Willing Road,Efland). 68 The Planning and Inspections Department developed a new solar contracts signed array guide for residential uses(https://www.orangecountync.gov/ — 617.8 kW DocumentCenter/View/28676/Solar-Array-Guide?bidld=)that includes of new clean energy a checklist to help make the permitting process easier for residential capacity solar energy installations. Solar power an• ` I •. - - . n_ 859,427 kWh Exploring Agrivoltaics in Orange County • • • -• produced annually I A $111,725 5 a in annual utility ' oml] bill savings $1.63 M • ° ®® in clean energy development program • • more _ '�' ,t r 2 •Ai,� ,�, SO: 1.15 M lbs. of CO2 avoidedORANGE COUNTY annually v< Solarize the Triangle—This .*RESEARCH TRIANGLE community-driven group- .CLEANTECH CLUSTER' Example of an agrivoltaics system with solar panels above crops purchasing program made 2023 Cleantech solar energy,battery storage, Innovation Awards Imagine farms that grow food and generate clean energy—that's and other clean technologies Platinum Sponsor Host Sponsor agrivoltaics!By placing solar panels above crops,farmers can boost more accessible and affordable. -Powersecure csas resiliency while advancing Orange County's renewable energy goals. The program's impact was - In February 2024,we hosted an Agrivoltaics meeting to explore its recognized with the prestigious /. potential locally.Now,we're pursuing grant funding for a pilot project 2023 Cleantech Innovation at Breeze Farm to study which crops thrive under solar panels and Award for Cleantech support farmers in adopting this innovative solution. Impact:Local Government, Agrivoltaics is a win-win for agriculture and sustainability,helping us celebrating its success in leveraging partnerships to drive sustainable cultivate a brighter,more resilient future!You Tube Video:https://www. progress.Watch the award video here:https://www.youtube.com/ youtube.com/watch?v=C9CJOxeK50g watch?v=CPByiurfOJE Utility Advocacy To advance our Climate Action goal of actively participating in utility �- programs and legislative proposals that impact clean energy adoption in Orange County,the Board of County Commissioners signed onto a letter in May 2024 advocating for a stronger,more sustainable vision in Duke Energy's Carbon Plan Integrated Resource Plan(CPIRP). This effort underscores our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a cleaner energy future for our community. Efland EMS Station Solar Array 5 7 and it was a huge success! ,, a ,� Residents brought in everything from damaged electronics to Resource Conservation furniture,jewelry,and small appliances,working side-by-side - with volunteers to give them new life.(https://youtu.be/ The Resource Conservation section of our Climate Action Plan focuses wig3SMYNaXw) on key actions to reduce waste,conserve natural resources,and cut With 69 guests,58 repairs,and greenhouse gas emissions. 33 coaches,the event exceeded expectations,so much so that Projects & Pro Progress we're excited to announce that Repair Cafe in Hillsborough g Repair Cafe will be held twice Green Catering Vendor List in 2025!This allows us to keep even more items out of the landfill, This list features restaurants and catering businesses that follow save community members money,and continue building a culture sustainable practices to help encourage and support events that of community care and repair.It's a win for sustainability,a win for generate less waste and source locally.(https://www.orangecountync. savings,and a win for our community! gov/3310/Green-Catering-List) Triangle Ecycling Sustainable Swag Resource In December 2023,we successfully e-cycled 572 computers,giving We've created the Sustainable Swag Resource to make it easier for them a second chance to make an impact!These computers were County staff to choose eco-friendly,waste-reducing promotional donated to Triangle Ecycling,where they were either re-used, items.This resource empowers our team to select swag that aligns refurbished,or recycled for a meaningful purpose:providing hands-on with our sustainability goals,helping to minimize environmental learning experiences for local high school students through semester- impact while still offering meaningful giveaways.With this resource, long internships. we are making every item count—because sustainability should be This initiative not only helps reduce electronic waste,but also empowers at the heart of everything we do!(https://www.orangecountync.gov/ the next generation with valuable skills in tech and sustainability.It's a DocumentCenter/View/28521/Sustainable-Swag) win for both the environment and our future leaders! Repair Cafe On November 16,2024,the Orange County Sustainability Team,Orange County Public Library,and Repair Cafe North Carolina came together to host a free Repair Cafe at the Whitted Human Services Center— E Triangle Ecycling recycling ewaste into education www,triangleecycr ng.ccm REPAIR CAFE! Work with volunteer repair coaches , to fix your broken items! I Gain new skills and keep trash out ofthe landfill, , while saving money and having fun! Triangle Ecycling helps the County e-cycle 572 computers e 1,/\l=lE ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SUSTAINABILITY 'MAliprEa"ry 6 8 Transitioning to Electric Landscaping The Department of Environment,Agriculture,Parks and Recreation (DEAPR)began their transition to electric landscape equipment with 2 Green Community weed trimmers,3 pruners,I hedge trimmer,I chainsaw,I riding lawn CLIMATE ACTION PLAN mower,and 1 solar-powered generator used at Blackwood Farm Park, Cedar Grove Park and by the mobile landscaping crew. A healthy environment supports the health and well-being of Orange Switching to electric landscaping equipment comes with a lot of County residents by improving air,land,and water quality.This section benefits!We're cutting down on greenhouse gases,improving air of the Climate Action Plan includes actions that promote environmental quality,saving money on gas,spending less on maintenance,and health and green our community. making our parks quieter and more enjoyable for everyone. Projects & Progress Our Leave Your Leaves campaign,in partnership with the Towns, is making a big impact by encouraging residents to leave their fallen - leaves where they are—on the ground!This simple action helps nourish our soil,protect local wildlife,and reduce unnecessary waste. r Over three hundred County residents pledged to leave their leaves last season!!Together,we're creating healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable community,one leaf at a time. 1y LEAVE YOUR L AVCS .. Robert Robbins,Park Manager of Cedar Grove Park,with a new electric riding lawn mower Sustainable Gardening The Orange County Cooperative Extension along with its Master Leave Your Leavesyord sign Gardener volunteers help the Orange County community garden sustainably by encouraging the use of native plants and avoiding invasive plants. LEAVE YOUR LEAVES 2024 PARTICIPANT LOCATIONS x armChapel 0 •• • 2 ,17 Hillsborough �I oc Elsewhere in 16% NC Orange County £ 00. Other or -• Annual PlantFest event on October 5,2024 hosted by N.C.Cooperative Extension Service The 2024 Leave Your Leaves campaign had 317 total participants Master Gardeners 7 9 Duke Energy Foundation Grant The Orange County Sustainability Team was awarded a$25,000 Duke . Energy Foundation grant to launch a heat mapping analysis and tree —_ Resilient Community planting project—a powerful step toward fighting extreme heat in historically under-recognized communities. This initiative directly supports the county's ambitious goal of planting 10,000 trees in 10 years,while also fostering strong community partnerships,educating residents about the vital role of trees in climate The Resilient Community section of our Climate Action Plan focuses resilience,and delivering real relief from rising temperatures. on building the County's ability to withstand and recover from By strategically targeting the areas most impacted by extreme heat, extreme weather events,from scorching heat to heavy flooding.With this project advances equity,environmental sustainability,and bold, a combination of proactive strategies and adaptive solutions,we're community-driven climate solutions.With every tree planted,we're preparing to safeguard our homes,businesses,and public spaces. creating cooler,greener,and healthier neighborhoods for all. Projects & Progress STAY COOL -�- 5]89 0 9.. D� 0Stay indoors, stay in ' the shade or limit o L_ activity to mornings and evenings Check from the Duke Energy Foundation for a heat mapping and tree planting project. Amy Eckberg,Ray Trapp,Karina Nabors,and Mel Gilles ORANGE COUNTY orangecountync.gov/Heat NUGIl1 CGIRUI IN I arm Heat Messaging&Heat Action Plan When heat came earlier than planned in June 2024,just after Governor Cooper announced Heat Action Week,Orange County formed a cross- departmental working group to develop a Heat Action Plan and a Beat it The Heat social media campaign.In the fall,representatives from each municipality gathered forces to participate in the ReBuiIdNC Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort,so that the developing Heat Action Plan would work in all levels of local government throughout Orange County. Department of Energy—Energy Futures Grant .y Orange County is a proud partner in a$500,000 Department of Energy Duke Energy"Rally for Relief"event at the Raleigh Convention Center.Karina Nabors, Energy Futures Grant,a groundbreaking initiative to develop a network Amy Eckberg,Mel Gilles and Commissioner Anna Richards of energy resilience hubs across our region.This grant supports technical assessments and community-driven planning to strengthen our ability to withstand power disruptions and build a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate-related storm events. 8 10 Impact through Interns The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill EcoStudio interns provide important support for our sustainability efforts,and our team is Community Outreach passionate about mentoring them by offering real-world opportunities to develop creative solutions,engage with the community,and make Education a n d lasting impacts in the fight against climate change.Providing these hands-on experiences inspires and prepares the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in climate action. Investment -_ Our Sustainability team was spreading the word and inspiring action at public events like Earth Evening,the Orange County Agriculture , ►' Summit,and UNC Climate Action Day.We even talked to all the 8th r ; graders at Orange Middle School,sharing our climate action plan and _ inspiring them to make positive changes in their own lives.For many of these events,incredible volunteers dedicated their time and energy to encourage sustainable choices in the County. oaaN�c UNrr, People Power Emma Hedinger(intern)tabling at UN(Gimate Action Day In 2024,we had the privilege of hosting the following exceptional EcoStudio interns: 896 177 77 Emma Hedinger(Spring 2024): Emma made a big impact by leading communi- Engagement with Volunteer hours ty outreach for the Climate Action Plan and cre- community members ating a staff resource for purchasing sustainable 1 swag,helping to align the County's efforts with Volunteers our sustainability goals. Volunteers are helping sustainability topics reach more people.Without their help,events like Repair Cafe would not have been possible(See page 6 for more information).One group of volunteers are the EV am- Valeria Rico(Summer 2024): bassadors.They are passionate community members who attend events Valeria took on the challenge of spearheading with their electric vehicles to engage the public,answer questions,and s r an anti-idling campaign,which included draft- showcase all the different features of their EVs. �1 ing a policy and collaborating with the County's graphic designer to create impactful visuals for ` the campaign. 1 _ Madison Buschek Fall 2024): x Madison played a central role in organizing two —` National Drive Electric Week events,supported the Leave Your Leaves campaign,and designed graphics for our annual sustainability events, helping to bring these initiatives to life. ,y EV ambassador sharing about electric vehicles at Earth Evening 9 11 Staff Outreach & Education �' 1.5°Art Exhibition Mel Gilles joined the Sustainability Team as our In April 2024,the Eno Arts Mill hosted 1.5°C,a powerful exhibition ex- ` full-time Sustainability Projects Analyst on Earth ploring our region's connection to the environment and climate change. Day 2024,bringing valuable expertise to our Featuring works from over 60 local visual artists,the month-long .:. efforts. gallery showcase was a collaboration between the Orange County Arts Commission and the Office of Sustainability.This innovative fusion of art and education provided a unique platform to engage the community and deepen awareness of climate change's impacts. Karina Nabors,our part-time Sustainability ; Specialist,plays a vital role in supporting initia- 0 tives and ensuring bilingual access to sustain- ability programs,helping us reach and engage more of our community. p� Boards&Commissions The Commission for the Environ- ti ment and the Human Relations , 1.5°Art Exhibition Commission support and elevate the County's Sustainability work. ' . e In particular,these volunteers dedicate their time and energy to score our Community Climate "Emergentlides'byAmyWetsch. Action Grant applications every -F� ��� Artwork purchased by Orange County 1 Sustainability and the Arts Commis- year,which help us fund projects ° sion that is now on display in Orange to reduce greenhouse gases ---_ County's Whitted Human Services (Read more about this program Building in Hillsborough. on the next page). Commission for the Environment chair 00 Regina Baratta and member Kristie Mather doing outreach at the 2024 Earth Evening event in Hillsborough. Partners&Collaborators Community Resources Sustainability requires all of us working together to create lasting Residents can explore our community resources to stay informed and change.We cannot underestimate the power of partnerships in driving get involved in Orange County's sustainability efforts! Our Sustainability progress,expanding our reach,and achieving our climate goals.We are Web Pages(https://www.orangecountync.gov/477/Sustainability)and grateful for all of our partnerships—from our regional local govern- quarterly Climate Connection(https://www.orangecountync.gov/2946/ ments,the Central Pines Regional Council,and the Towns to UNC-Chapel Climate-Connection-Quarterly-Sustainabil),provide information about Hill,community-based organizations,the agricultural community,local our programs and initiatives and ways for the community to take action. businesses,and County departments. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.These partnerships— Orange County and many more—are essential to building a more resilient,sustainable CLIMATE CONNECTION future for Orange County.We're always expanding our network because real change happens when we work together! Climate Council The Orange County Climate Council unites leaders from the County, Towns,school boards,and other stakeholders to drive climate action through collaboration.In 2024,we came together twice to exchange ideas,align on climate campaigns,and coordinate impactful communi- ty outreach and education efforts. 10 12 Community Climate Action x Grant Program The Community Climate Action Grant Program is driving impactful '"' ALe projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a lasting posi- tive impact in our community.Open to all public and nonprofit entities, ,� J as well as small businesses,this program is key to engaging local groups in climate action and maximizing Orange County's efforts to combat climate change. �4 • In 2024,we saw a record-breaking 25 applications,showcasing the ,�; - growing enthusiasm for sustainability across the County.This year, $262,500 was awarded to seven incredible projects in the 2024-2025 fiscal year,each helping to move us closer to a greener,more sustain- able future. ` ` By supporting these initiatives,the grant program empowers commu- Club Nova Garden,a Community Climate Tree Planting in Town of Chapel Hill,a nity groups to take action,creating a more significant collective impact Action Grant Project Community Climate Action GrantProject on our climate goals.We're thrilled to be a part of these exciting projects and can't wait to see the positive changes they bring to our community. - CommunityClimateAction Grant Program The Community Climate Action Grant Program is dedicated to accelerating climate change mitigation Who Can Apply? actions in Orange County. Public&Non-Profit Entities We are looking for great project ideas that help Small Businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a positive impact in our community. Habitat for Humanity Solar Roof Installation,a Community Climate Action Gront Award NUMBER OF FISCALYEAR AWARDAMOUNT PROJECTS II � 2019-2020 4 $469,272 2020-2021 6 $478,657 2021-2022 7 $536,665 2022-2023 7 $550,150 2023-2024 8 $564,085 Daniel Pate,Karina Nabors,Amy Eckberg,and Mel Gilles at the Cleantech Innovation Awards where Sustainability's Community Climate Action Grant Program was nominated 2024-2025 7 $262,500 for the Cleantech Impact:Local Government award. So far,the program has awarded $2,861,329 to 46 projects.These projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,130 metric tons every year! 11 13 Looking Ahead ' .. . MR Green Team Sustainability is looking forward to launching a dynamic,cross-departdawn - mental Green Team.This team of County employees will make the Coun- ty more sustainable through peer outreach and the implementation of environmentally-friendly workplace practices.Acting as sustainability ambassadors within their departments,each Green Team member will champion efforts like recycling and energy-saving initiatives to help2025 foster a culture of sustainability. Electrify Marketing Campaign with UNC students The Orange County Climate Council is excited to engage in a"Year of Join Electrification"campaign to inspire residents and businesses across NO MOW MARCH! the County to embrace electrification—whether it's through electric vehicles,bikes,landscaping equipment,fleets,appliances,or buildings. To ensure the campaign's success,we are collaborating with a social marketing class at UNC-Chapel Hill to design a compelling marketing campaign that resonates with our community based on research and analysis. Letting ORANGECOUNTY Reduce noise SUSTAINABILITY Save moneg and time Use less chemicals and gas Give birds nesting materials and food Ar _1p plants and Np—mentgf En ironment, In addition to the above,here are some other programs and Agricu1We•Parks&Ren don initiatives we are are excited about: • Electrify Program: • Heat Action Plan for I� Regional program to help Orange County r reduce greenhouse gases . More National Drive < a by transitioning over to Electric Week events electric • More Repair Cafe events • Art and Sustainability . Updates to solar and Exhibit in collaboration electric vehicle regulations 0 0 with the ArtsCenter March- in y' in Orange County's SUSGemuery ar pegister11— April 2025 Unified Development SUSTAINABILITY Q`,aA otE orangemuntyncgov/Swap Q w • No Mow March Ordinance(UDO) • Clothing&Art Supply New more accessible Trees for a Swap portal coming for Greener Orange • Tree Giveaway Community Climate • County staff electric Action Grant Program If youare an Orange County resi you can sign up today to win a FREE vehicle guide and video applications submissions red maple • Updated Greenhouse and processing Deadline is February 28! Gas Inventory for Orange Applying for more Grants! p p Learn ,.. r r r. County ORANGE COUNTY pati, ® H • Solar Feasibility Study SUSTAINABILITY orangemuntyncgov/Sustainability OnlyonesubmissionperhouseholdN'innersnotifiedMarzh5. 12 14 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA CORANGE COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY Climate Action Plan 2024 Annual Report to BOCC July 8, 2025 Amy Eckberg , Sustainability Programs Manager 15 The Sustainability Team : W� ry Amy Eckberg Mel Gilles Karina Nabors .iw. Annie Georges • • Tan Orange CountyClimate Action Plan16 • Adopted November 2023 Road map to tackle climate change and achieve climate goals: ❖ 100% renewable energy by 2050 ❖ 50% GHG emissions reduction by t 2030 ❖ 100% by 2050 ► ACTION Collaborative community effort • Plan updates every 5 years • PLAN Public dashboard tracking progress • GHG Inventory every two years to monitor progress towards goals - ORANGE COUNTY • ""'P Annual report ('"(01 r ti, 1 climate ACtjort Find Out How Orange County a Orange cOuntY i_ Took Action for a 2024Greener 2024 ANNUAL REPORT *" Together, with our community, we commit .' to taking urgent action on the climate emergency by creating and implementing an innovative, equitable, and just transition to carbon neutrality and climate resiliency. Y. SWAINAMLITY ntync.gov/Annual p p orangecountync.g p � `' _ A p Transportation 18 M. • Launched EV Ambassador program ' t �F • Hosted National Drive Electric Week } • Implemented New Anti-Idling campaign • Continued expansion of electric vehicles and EV chargers in County fleet Built Environment and Energy 19 • Published residential solar FAQ guide SOLARIZE THE 'we`�,I ' • Promoted Solarize the Triangle TRIANGLE ' includinga low-to-moderate income _ _ o$ tracts signed 617.8 c o m o n e n t ��� oof new clleean energy p capacity • Developed Sustainable Business Toolkit ;• -;04urced price ,- 859,produ4edakuah rowds• lly Completed 4 LED conversions - $111,725 S a in annual utility • Launched the Energy Burden Energy °°o bill savings $1.63 M in ener Reduction Program-E B E R P •_ ° ®e devlelopmen t S1.15 M lbs. CO, ofCO2avoided annually �YCZJtP,I . ORAN G it :lii Iry dolell • ! I I I I DURHAM - GRANILLE .ORANGE 1 Y P OrangeCounty Library 80,000 $6,000 lt OSS/Hillsborough Commons 111,000 $8,000 Energy Burden&Emissions Reduction Program Southern Human Services Center 55,572 $4,483 Seymour Center 56,587 $4,786 TOTAL 303,159 $23,269 20 Resource Conservation • Partnered with Triangle E-cycling to promote electronic waste recycling and youth workforce development • Developed a green catering vendor list • Hosted two Repair Cafes: ❑ 144 repairs; 62 volunteer coaches ❑ Keeping items out of the landfill while building community V Ri� REPAIR CAFE1. �'��rk �xi LFA �a1u ntear repair aI�es } to �x your h r aken item 54. C� in n moll . �r s. -e� i tra�:h,�-�ut of the +IIr warp le saylmg M')�-w� ar d Iwo In L Ir! IL I?1=1'I\II? OLINA SUSTAINABILITY ��jlibrEar NORTH CAROLINA � Y • � � • � • �. a '� k dip irf A Chapel Hill lF ° ° 11% GW Carrboro 23% Hillsborough - oc Elsewhere in _ rvc Orange County ••• Other or Unlisted ' ` R Carr Resilient Communit5 • Heat Mapping and Heat Action Plan �P.. rr�s arda�q�k • Duke Energy Foundation Grant to er' .: W eCS—n support tree planting in high heat A , areas �4gar dgp • Secured Cedar Grove Community Oraoge6fOVe ,� Center solar grant - $200kcks�wygw ; Y1 I.k.,..aaas'y�..� �r Y� a r: STAY COOL Stay indoors or . Limit activity to ._ mornings or Fry�R�� O F evenings 4 earn V 2AAJ6E 1 A 'remo-�rvPn : �k?ZU6 D �,,�_�ncna�ronee ,sanaao,:oaaooavvvor s�aa Impact Through Community Outreach, Education and 23 Investment • Building community volunteers Interns — UNC CH Eco Studio Program • Climate Council • Hosted 1 .5 degree art exhibit with Arts Commission • Climate Connection Newsletter , 0 WON ORgNGE QBOUNTY �...�.Ly. RT GA \- 24 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Program • Annual funding opportunity Community Climate Action Grant Program • Goal: Reduce GHG emissions and The Community Climate Action Grant Programis dedicated to accelerating climate change mitigation Who Can Apply? make a positive impact in our actions in Orange County. •Public&Non-Profit Entities We are looking for great project ideas that help •Small Businesses community reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a positive impact in our community. • Record breaking 25 applications in 2024! `► For more information,visit www.orangecountync.gov/(CAG ORANGE COUNTY Or contact Orange County Sustainability at Sustainability@orangecountync.gov NORTH CAROLINA • 46 projects to date; over $2.8m in funding and 1 ,130 metric tons of ; CO2 saved every year Y -- '- - • Program nominated for Clean Tech Innovation Impact award • Now accepting applications! June 16-August 15 =� 25 Looking Ahead • Electrify Program • County-wide cross departmental "Green Team" • Tree Plantings and Tree Giveaways • Solar Feasibility Study • Solar installations at Southern and Cedar Grove • Updated Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Orange County • County staff electric vehicle guide and video • Heat Action Plan for Orange County • More Sustainability events! • New and more accessible grant portal coming for Community Climate Action Grant Program in 2025! • Applying (and hopefully receiving) more Grants! • Continued utilization of Direct Pay Questions ?